Universal Handle, Grooming Tool or Hair Collection Tools, and Methods of Use

ABSTRACT

A system includes a universal handle and a variety of tools selectively secured within the handle. The tools can be tools for grooming or collecting hair, and are especially useful with animals such as household pets. One example tool includes a mat breaker that is adjustable for left handed or right handed use. Another example tool is a fur sweeper tool and a fur accumulator tool. Other tools include deshedders, brushes, and combs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.62/217,488, filed Sep. 11, 2015, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure concerns a handle that can be used with multiple toolheads, including tool heads for grooming or hair collection for use withanimals. This disclosure also concerns some tools for use in the system,including a mat breaker, fur sweeper, and fur accumulator tool.

BACKGROUND

Some households include multiple animals as pets. Some animals haveshort hair, such as short haired cats, while some have medium or longhair or shaggy coats, found in a variety of dogs. For animals with furcoats, it is helpful to groom the animal to help keep the coat healthyand to prevent shedding of fur throughout the house. One problem in thepast has been multiple animals require multiple different groomingtools. For example, a grooming tool that would be appropriate for ashort haired cat would not be useful on a shaggy dog. Thus, in the past,it has been necessary to purchase multiple different grooming tools thatwere appropriate for the multiple different animals. In addition, inhouseholds that have only a single animal as a pet, it is still helpfulto have multiple tools to groom the animal to address different groomingneeds of the single animal. For example, the single animal may include atool for deshedding, a tool for detangling, and a tool for smoothing andcombing.

The present disclosure offers a solution to the problem of having toacquire multiple tools to address the needs of either a single pet ormultiple pets. The present disclosure includes a universal handle andmultiple grooming or hair collection tools releasably securable to theuniversal handle.

One of the problems in the past has been tools that are made for aparticular right or left hand orientation. For example, certain tools,such as a mat breaker for removing mats in fur, can use curved bladesthat are oriented for either right or left hand users. It would behelpful to have a mat breaker that is useful for either a left handed orright handed user. The present disclosure offers a solution to thatproblem.

Another problem encountered when grooming animals is cleanup of thehair. For example, animal hair or fur can be shedded on carpeting,couches, or a person's clothing. Improvement in tools for hair cleanupare desirable.

SUMMARY

A handle for receiving a plurality of tools is provided. The handleincludes a grip sized to be grasped by a human hand, the grip includinga tool-receiving bore defined therein and a lock mechanism to secure atool within the bore and to selectively release the tool from the bore.

The grip has a free end and an opposite tool-receiving end, with thebore being through the tool-receiving end.

The lock mechanism includes a pin extending into an interior volume ofthe bore.

The pin can be spring-biased radially inwardly into the interior volumeof the bore.

The grip may further include a push button to move the pin at leastpartially out of the interior volume of the bore.

The push button may move the pin against the spring to move the pin.

In one or more embodiments, the push button is immediately adjacent tothe tool-receiving end.

The handle can further include a ramped thumb-rest spaced between thefree end and push button, with the thumb-rest being on a same side ofthe grip as the push button.

In one or more embodiments, the handle can include a ramped indexfinger-rest spaced between the free end and the push button, the indexfinger-rest being on an opposite side of the grip as the push button.

In some embodiments, the index finger-rest is located between the pushbutton and the thumb rest.

In one or more embodiments, a multiple finger-rest is between the freeend and the index finger rest and is located on a lateral side of thegrip between the side of the index finger rest and the side of the thumbrest.

The multiple finger-rest may be between the thumb rest and the free end.

The grip may further include a mounting hole adjacent to the free end.

The grip can include molded polymer material to enhance friction betweenthe grip and a human hand.

In many embodiments, the bore is shaped to index a tool secured theretoin a specific direction.

A cross-sectional opening of the bore can be in the shape of a truncatedcircle. The interior wall of the bore can have a cross-sectional shapeof the truncated circle.

In another aspect, a system for grooming an animal can use a handle asvariously characterized above and a grooming or hair collection toolreleasably secured within the bore.

The tool includes a post sized to fit within the bore.

The post can include a detent sized and shaped to receive the pin of thelock mechanism.

The post can be at least 0.5 inches in length.

The post can be no greater than 1 inch in length. The post can have afree end and an opposite tool end, with the detent being spaced lessthan 0.5 inches from the free end.

The detent can be spaced more than 0.25 inches from the free end.

The post can be shaped to be received within the bore for engagementwith the pin in only a single orientation.

In one or more embodiments, one side of the post will have a flatsurface.

The side of the post having the detent can be opposite of the side ofthe post having a flat surface.

In one or more embodiments, the post has a greatest cross-sectionaldimension of greater than ⅛ inch.

In one or more embodiments, the post has a greatest cross-sectionaldimension of less than 0.25 inch.

The grooming or hair collection tool may include any one of ade-shedding tool, a brush, mat breaker, a fur sweeper tool, a furaccumulator tool, a comb, and other tools for managing fur.

In another aspect, a method of using a system for grooming includesproviding a handle; selecting a grooming or hair collection tool; andreleasably securing the selected tool to the handle.

The step of providing a handle can include providing a handle asvariously characterized above.

The step of selecting a grooming or hair collection tool includesselecting a tool having a post with a detent.

The step of releasably securing the selected tool includes inserting thepost into the bore and engaging the pin and detent.

The step of inserting the post into the bore includes inserting the postthat is shaped to be received within the bore for engagement with thepin in only a single orientation.

After the step of releasably securing the selective tool to the handle,there can be a step of releasing the selected tool from the handle bypressing the push button.

After the step of releasably securing the selected tool to the handle,there can be the step of releasing the selected tool from the handle bypressing the push button to move the pin from the detent in the post.

The step of releasably securing the selected tool can include making anaudible click sound as the tool and handle engage.

The step of selecting a grooming or hair collection tool can includeselecting from the group comprising a de-shedding tool, a brush, a matbreaker, a fur sweeper tool, a fur accumulator tool, and a comb.

The step of selecting a grooming or hair collection tool may includeselecting from the group consisting of a de-shedding tool, a brush, amat breaker, a fur sweeper tool, a fur accumulator tool, and a comb.

The step of securing the selected tool can include orienting a firstdistinct visual mark on the handle, with a second distinct visual markon the tool.

The step of orienting a first distinct visual mark on the handle with asecond distinct visual mark on the tool can include forming a resultingthird distinct visual mark from the first and second visual marks.

In another aspect, a mat breaker for grooming animals is provided. Themat breaker includes a base member; a handle-engaging post extendingfrom the base member; and a set of curved teeth held within the basemember, the set of teeth being movable within the base member.

The set of teeth can be rotatable 180° within the base member.

The set of teeth can be held by a substrate that is removably orientedin the base member.

The mat breaker can further include a lock mechanism to releasablysecure the substrate in operable orientation in the base member.

The lock member can include pushable finger, and the substrate caninclude a detent sized to receive the finger.

The base can have an open substrate-receiving cavity sized and shaped toreleasably hold the substrate.

The base may include an end having the handle-engaging post and anopposite free end, the free end having an opening in communication withthe cavity.

In one or more embodiments, the base has slide grooves along the sidesof the cavity, and substrate includes rails on opposite sides of thesubstrate to slide within the grooves.

In one or more embodiments, the set of curved teeth includes each toothhaving an inside edge comprising a cutting blade and curving at an anglebetween 80-100°.

The mat breaker can further include hair separator blades betweenadjacent ones of the curved teeth.

The post can include a detent.

The post can include a detent sized and shaped to receive the pin of thelock mechanism.

The post can be at least 0.5 inches in length.

The post can be no greater than 1 inch in length.

The post can have a free end and an opposite tool end, with the detentbeing spaced less than 0.5 inches from the free end.

The detent can be spaced more than 0.25 inches from the free end.

The post can be shaped to be received within the bore for engagementwith the pin in only a single orientation.

In one or more embodiments, one side of the post will have a flatsurface.

The side of the post having the detent can be opposite of the side ofthe post having a flat surface.

In one or more embodiments, the post has a greatest cross-sectionaldimension of greater than ⅛ inch.

In one or more embodiments, the post has a greatest cross-sectionaldimension of less than 0.25 inch.

In another aspect, method of using a mat breaker can include the matbreaker as variously characterized above, and removing the set of curvedteeth from the base, rotating the set of curved teeth 180°, and operablysecuring the set of curved teeth in the base.

The step of removing can include pushing the push button to move thefinger from engagement with the detent in the substrate.

The step of operably securing the set of curved teeth in the baseincludes sliding the substrate into a cavity in the base and pushing atab to move the finger into engagement with the detent in the substrate.

The mat breaker can be releasably secured to the handle as variouslycharacterized above.

In another aspect, a fur sweeper tool is provided. The fur sweeper toolincludes a base holder; a handle-engaging post extending from the baseholder; and a roller held by the base holder having fur attractingmaterial.

The base holder includes an open tube, and the roller is rotatably heldwithin the open tube.

The base holder has an opening providing exposure to the fur attractingmaterial of the roller.

The roller defines a chamber to collect fur.

The chamber can be accessible through a movable door secured to the baseholder.

The door may be transparent.

The door may be selectively lockable and unlockable to the base holder.

The roller can include first and second twist knobs at opposite ends ofthe roller and extending outside of the base holder, the twist knobsallowing rotation of the roller within the base holder.

The roller can be rotatable between 70° and 180°.

The fur attracting material can include a non-adhesive fabric.

The post can include a detent.

The post can include a detent sized and shaped to receive the pin of thelock mechanism.

The post can be at least 0.5 inches in length.

The post can be no greater than 1 inch in length.

The post can have a free end and an opposite tool end, with the detentbeing spaced less than 0.5 inches from the free end.

The detent can be spaced more than 0.25 inches from the free end.

The post can be shaped to be received within the bore for engagementwith the pin in only a single orientation.

In one or more embodiments, one side of the post will have a flatsurface.

The side of the post having the detent can be opposite of the side ofthe post having a flat surface.

In one or more embodiments, the post has a greatest cross-sectionaldimension of greater than ⅛ inch.

In one or more embodiments, the post has a greatest cross-sectionaldimension of less than 0.25 inch.

A method of using a first sweeper tool can include using the tool asvariously characterized herein and rubbing the fur attracting materialof the roller over a surface to pick up hair from the surface.

The method can include rotating the roller by rotating one or more ofthe twist knobs to at least partially clean the hair from the furattracting material of the roller.

The method may further include, after rotating the roller, viewing thechamber through the door.

The method may further include unlocking the door to access the chamber,removing the hair from the chamber, and then locking the door to securethe door to the base holder.

The method may further include, after removing hair from the chamber,rotating the roller to put the fur attracting material into an openingof the base holder.

The fur sweeper tool can be releasably secured to the handle asvariously characterized herein.

In another aspect, a fur accumulator tool is provided. The tool includesa base member; a handle-engaging post extending from the base member;and a plurality of nubs extending from the base member to pick up hairwhen the tool is moved against a hairy surface.

The base member has a plate section and a handle engaging sectionprojecting over the plate section, the nubs extending from the platesection.

The plate section can be between the handle engaging section and thenubs.

The nubs can be held by a substrate secured to the plate section.

The nubs may have a height of less than ⅜ inch.

The nubs may have a height of greater than ⅛ inch.

There can be at least 150 nubs.

There can be fewer than 300 nubs.

The nubs may be arranged in straight rows and columns.

There may be about 20-30 nubs per square inch.

The plate section can have a width of at least 3 inches and a length ofat least 4 inches.

The plate section can have a width of not greater than 6 inches and alength of not greater than 8 inches.

The post can include a detent.

The post can include a detent sized and shaped to receive the pin of thelock mechanism.

The post can be at least 0.5 inches in length.

The post can be no greater than 1 inch in length.

The post can have a free end and an opposite tool end, with the detentbeing spaced less than 0.5 inches from the free end.

The detent can be spaced more than 0.25 inches from the free end.

The post can be shaped to be received within the bore for engagementwith the pin in only a single orientation.

In one or more embodiments, one side of the post will have a flatsurface.

The side of the post having the detent can be opposite of the side ofthe post having a flat surface.

In one or more embodiments, the post has a greatest cross-sectionaldimension of greater than ⅛ inch.

In one or more embodiments, the post has a greatest cross-sectionaldimension of less than 0.25 inch.

A method of using a fur accumulator tool can include using the furaccumulator tool as variously characterized above, and moving the nubsagainst and over a hairy surface to pick up hair by the nubs from thesurface.

The fur accumulator tool can be releasably secured to the handle asvariously characterized above.

A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part, will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing variousaspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate toindividual features as well as combinations of features. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive ofthe claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a system for grooming ananimal including a handle and a plurality of tools, constructed inaccordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handle used in the system of FIG. 1,constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the handle of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the handle of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of a post secured to each of thetools used in the system of FIG. 1 for securing to the handle of FIG. 1,constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the post of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the post of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the post of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the post of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the post of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a mat breaker secured to the handle ofFIG. 2, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure anddepicting a lock mechanism in a locked and engaged position;

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the mat breaker and handle ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the mat breaker and handle ofFIG. 11, and depicting a lock mechanism in an unlocked position;

FIG. 14 shows an exploded perspective view of the mat breaker and handleof FIGS. 11-13, and showing how the teeth can be reversed inorientation;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the mat breaker and handle of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the mat breaker and handle, thecross section being taken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the mat breaker and handle of FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the mat breaker and handle, thecross section being taken along the line B-B of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the mat breaker used with thehandle as shown in FIGS. 11-18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fur sweeper tool used with the handleof FIG. 2, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the fur sweeper tool and handleof FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the fur sweeper tool andhandle of FIGS. 21 and 22;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the fur sweeper tool depictedin FIGS. 20-22;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the fur sweeper tool and handle of FIG.20;

FIG. 25 is a cross sectional view of the fur sweeper tool and handle,the cross section being taken along the line 25-25 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a fur accumulator tool and handle,constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the fur accumulator tool andhandle of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the fur accumulator tool andhandle of FIGS. 26 and 27;

FIG. 29 is another exploded, perspective view of the fur accumulatortool and handle of FIGS. 26 and 27; and

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the fur accumulator tool ofFIGS. 26-29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a system 40. The system 40 is preferably used forgrooming an animal, such as a household pet. The system 40 isparticularly helpful for use by consumers in multi-pet households, inwhich the plurality of pets benefit from the use of different toolsdepending upon the fur length and coarseness of the coat of the pet andthe grooming needs of the pet.

The system 40 includes a single universal handle 42. The handle 42 isreleasably connectable to a plurality of grooming or hair collectiontools 44. The tools 44 can include grooming tools, which include, forexample, any tools that will touch or treat the fur or hair of theanimal or in any other way be used on the animal. For example, groomingtools may include any various combs, brushes, sheers, shavers, scissors,nail trimmers, detanglers, and the like. Hair collection tools can beany type of tool that is used for cleanup and can be used on surfacesthat hair or fur is on. For example, hair collection tools can includefur sweepers, fur accumulators, adhesive rollers, vacuum systems, andthe like. Examples of particularly useful tools are discussed herein.However, it should be understood that any tool with the appropriateconnection system can be used with the handle 42.

A. Example Handle

Turning now to FIGS. 2-4, an example embodiment of handle 42 isdepicted. Handle 42 includes a grip 46. The grip 46 is generally sizedto be grasped by a human hand. For example, the grip 46 can have anoverall length of 3.5-5 inches, for example about 4.25-4.75 inches. Thewidth at its widest part can be about 0.75-1.75 inches, for exampleabout 1-1.5 inches.

The grip 46 has a free end 48 and an opposite tool-receiving end 50. Theexample lengths above would extend between the free end 48 and thetool-receiving end 50. The tool-receiving end 50 interfaces with thevarious tools 44 as shown in FIG. 1. The free end 48 is the end of thegrip 46 that is opposite from the tool-receiving end 50.

The grip 46 includes a tool-receiving bore 52. The bore 52 is throughthe tool-receiving end 50.

The handle 42 further includes a lock mechanism 54 (FIGS. 3-4). The lockmechanism 54 is to secure one of the tools 44 within the bore 52. Thelock mechanism 54 will selectively release the tool 44 from the bore 52.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an exploded perspective view of the handle 42 isdepicted. In the exploded perspective view, the handle 42 can be seenshowing the grip 46 and internal components 56. The grip 46 includes, inpreferred embodiments, a molded polymer material 58 to enhance frictionbetween the grip 46 and a human hand. The molded polymer material 58includes, in this example, ergonomic features to help with the comfortof the grip. Example preferred features are discussed further below. Thegrip 46 includes a cavity 60 that is used to receive the internalcomponents 56.

The internal components 56 include a shaft insert 62. The shaft insert62 can extend, in general, the length of the grip 46 between thetool-receiving end 50 and the free end 48. The shaft insert 62 helps toprovide solid support for the grip 46. The shaft insert 62 also is usedto help support and connect other components, including the lockmechanism 54.

Turning again to FIG. 3, the lock mechanism 54 includes a pin 64. Thepin 64 extends into an interior volume 66 of the bore 52.

In preferred arrangements, the pin 64 is spring biased. For example, aspring 68 (FIG. 4) can be used to bias the pin 64 radially inwardly intothe interior volume 66 of the bore 52.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen how the handle 42 further includes apush button 70. The push button 70 is usable to move the pin 64 at leastpartially out of the interior volume 66 of the bore 52. For example,when the pin 64 is biased with spring 68 into the interior volume 66 ofthe bore 52, the push button 70 can be used to push against the bias ofthe spring 68, which will move the pin 64 radially outwardly in adirection outside of the bore 52, or at least partially outside of thebore 52.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the push button 70 is depicted asbeing near the tool-receiving end 50. For example, the push button 70can be immediately adjacent to the tool-receiving end 50.

Turning again to the exploded perspective view of FIG. 4, an exampleembodiment of usable internal components 56 is depicted. It should beunderstood that many variations are possible, and this is only onepossible variation that is depicted. In the embodiment shown, thepush-button 70 is supported by a lock ring 72. The lock ring 72 is usedto secure the push button 70 in the handle 42.

A push button saddle 74 is provided to translate a pushing force on thepush button 70 to the pin 64. The push button saddle 74 is operablymounted to support the lock ring 72. The push button saddle 74 includesa projection 76 that can be used to seat the push button 70.

The push button saddle 74 includes a pair of arms 78, 79 extending fromthe piece holding the projection 76. The arms 78, 79 are depicted asgenerally parallel and opposing each other. The arms 78, 79 each includean aperture 80, 81. The apertures 80, 81 receive the pin 64.

In this example embodiment, when the push button 70 is pressed, theforce translates from the button 70 on to the push button saddle 74which moves the pin 64 in a direction out of the interior volume 66 ofthe bore 52. Many variations are possible.

Still in reference to FIG. 4, spring 68 is mounted against the pin 64and in a manner that will bias the pin 64 into the volume 66 of the bore52. FIG. 3 shows the pin 64 in a position of being biased into theinterior volume 66 of the bore 52. The spring 68 is located between andagainst an interior side 84 (FIG. 3) of the push button saddle 74 and aspring seat 86. Many embodiments are possible and this is just oneexample.

The spring seat 86 can be part of a component holder 88. The componentholder 88 helps to secure the various internal components within theshaft insert 62 and within the grip 46. The component holder 88 definesan open volume 90 which forms the lining of the bore 52.

In FIG. 4, in this embodiment, an upper surface of the component holder88 defines the spring seat 86 as a recessed region that holds the spring68. Extending along the opposite lateral sides of the component holder88 are indented slots 92. The slots 92 are seats for the arms 78, 79 ofthe push button saddle 74. The slots 92 allow the arms 78, 79 to move ina direction up and down relative to the component holder 88. This allowsthe pin 64 to move up and down, which will move the pin 64 radiallyinwardly and outwardly of the bore 52. Many variations can be made, andthis is just one example depicted of the many possibilities.

Still in reference to FIG. 4, the component holder 88 can be secured tothe shaft insert 62 by a holding pin 94. The holding pin 94 will extendthrough a hole 96 in the shaft insert 62, then through a hole 98 in thecomponent holder 88. The holding pin 94 emerges through a hole similarto hole 98 on an opposite side of the component holder 88 and throughanother hole on an opposite side of the shaft insert 62. Many variationscan be made.

A holding pin 95 extends through a hole 97 in the shaft insert 62 andrests in a groove 99 in the component holder 88. Many variations arepossible.

In FIG. 4, internal component 64 also includes cover insert 102. Coverinsert 102 defines the tool-receiving end 50 of the handle 42. Coverinsert 102 includes an opening 104. The opening 104 is in communicationwith and can form a portion of the bore 52. The opening 104 will be incommunication with the open volume 90 of the component holder 88. Manyvariations are possible.

The cover insert 102 is received by and fits within an open mouth 106 ofthe grip 46. The cover insert 102 is engaged against the componentholder 88. Locking pins 108, 109 are used to secure the cover insert 102to the component holder 88. In FIG. 4, it can be seen how the componentholder 88 includes a groove 110 along an upper portion, in which thelocking pin 108 will rest. The component holder 88 has a similar groovelike 110 on an opposite side of the component holder 88 for holding thelocking pin 109.

In preferred arrangements, the bore 52 will be shaped to index tool 44that is secured to the handle 42 in a specific direction or orientation.Many variations are possible. In this embodiment, the bore 52 will havea cross sectional opening in the shape of a truncated circle. This canbe seen, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 4, in which the opening 104 of thecover insert 102 has the shape of a circle that is cut off or truncatedfrom an upper quarter or so of the circle. When a tool 44 having anappropriately shaped post is inserted into the bore 52, this shape ofthe bore 52 will not accept the tool 44 unless it is oriented in aparticular configuration that will allow the tool 44 to be inserted andreceived within the bore 52.

The interior wall of the bore 52 will also preferably be shaped to indexthe tool 44. For example, the interior wall, shown in this example asbeing the interior wall of the component holder 88, has a crosssectional shape of a truncated circle. Many different variations arepossible, and this is just one example depicted.

In reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, example features to improve the comfortand handling of the grip 46 are described. Many variations are possibleand these are just examples.

The handle 42 may include a ramped thumb-rest 116. The ramped thumb-rest116 can be spaced between the free end 48 and the push button 70. Thethumb-rest 116 will typically be on a same side of the grip 46 as thepush button 70. The handle 42 may further include a ramped indexfinger-rest 118. The index finger-rest 118 is between the free end 48and the push button 70. The index finger-rest 118 will be on an oppositeside of the grip 46 as the push button 70.

In the example embodiment depicted, the index finger-rest 118 is locatedbetween the push-button 70 and the thumb-rest 116.

In the example depicted, the handle 42 may further include a multiplefinger-rest 120. The multiple finger-rest 120 will be between the freeend 48 and the index finger-rest 118. The multiple finger-rest 120 canbe located on a lateral side of the grip 46 between the side of theindex finger-rest 118 and the side of the thumb-rest 116. The multiplefinger-rest 120 can be used, for example, to support and rest the middlefinger, ring finger, and pinky of a human hand when grasping the grip46.

In the embodiment depicted, the multiple finger-rest 120 is locatedbetween the thumb-rest 116 and the free end 48.

In some embodiments, the grip 46 can further include a mounting hole122. The mounting hole 122 is depicted as being adjacent to the free end48. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 122 is a complete through holethrough the handle 42. In this manner, the handle 42 can be hung on amounting hook that will pass through the hole 122. Alternatively, themounting hole 122 can accommodate a mounting strap, chain, or any othercomponent that is convenient to pass through the hole 122.

B. Example Post

The system 40 includes the handle 42 and a grooming and hair collectiontool 44, examples of which are depicted in FIG. 1.

In preferred arrangements, the tool 44 includes a post 130. The post 130can be sized to fit within the bore 52 of the handle 42. In FIG. 1, thepost 130 is shown extending or projecting from each of the tools 44depicted.

Many embodiments are possible. FIGS. 5-10 depict an example embodimentof a usable post 30, which can be used to removably secure the tool 44to the handle 42.

The post 130 includes a recess or detent 132. The detent 132 is sizedand shaped to receive the pin 64 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of the lock mechanism54.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen how the detent 132 has aprofile that is trapezoid-shaped, when viewed from the side. The detent132 will receive the pin 64, which will lock the post 130 axially inplace within the bore 52 when the pin 64 is in the locked position. Whenit is desired to release or unlock the tool from the handle 42, the pushbutton 70 is pressed, which moves the pin 64 radially outwardly from thebore 52, and this will disengage the locking pin 64 from the detent 132.

The post 130 has a free end 134. The free end 134 of the post 130 is theportion of the post 130 that will initially enter the bore 52, whenconnecting tool 44 with the handle 42.

At an end opposite of the free end 134 is a tool end 136. The tool end136 will be secured to the tool 44. The tool end 136 can be secured tothe tool 44 in many different manners, such as being molded oradhesively bonded to a remaining portion of the tool 44. Many ways arepossible.

The detent 132 will typically be spaced less than 0.5 inches from thefree end 134. The detent 132 can be spaced more than 0.25 inches fromthe free end 134.

In one or more preferred embodiments, the post 130 is shaped to bereceived within the bore 52 for engagement with the pin 64 in only asingle orientation. Many different embodiments are possible.

In the example embodiment shown, at least one side 138 of the post 130has a flat surface 139. In the example depicted, the side 140, havingthe detent, 132 is opposite of the side 138 having the flat surface 139.

From a review of FIGS. 2, 4, and 5-10, it should be understood how theshape of the bore 52 and the shape of the post 130 allows for insertionof the post 130 into the bore 52 in only one orientation. This willensure that the detent 132 is located in proper orientation forengagement with the pin 64 of the lock mechanism 54. Many variations arepossible, and this is just one possibility of many.

The post 130 can be many sizes and shapes. In this example, the post 130is at least 0.5 inches in length. Typically, in this example, the post130 is not greater than 2 inches in length. A portion of the post 130that will be the portion exposed and projecting from a remainder of thetool 44 will typically be not greater than 1 inch in length. The post130 can have a greatest cross sectional dimension across its width, forexample, between side 138 and side 140 of greater than ⅛ inch. The post130 can have a greatest cross sectional dimension across the width, suchas between side 138 and 140, of less than 0.25 inch.

C. Example System and Methods

Turning again to FIG. 1, the various tools 44 depicted will preferablyinclude the post 130 extending or projecting therefrom for engagementand releasable connection with the handle 42. The tools 44 can include adeshedding tool 142. The deshedding tool 142 can include a tool used toengage loose hair to pull it from the animal without cutting or pullingnon-loose hair. For example, it can be the type of tool described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 7,509,926; 6,782,846; 7,077,076; 7,222,588; 7,334,540;7,509,926; each being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.The deshedding tool 142 is depicted in different sizes at 143, 144, and145.

The tool 44 can also include a brush 148. The brush 148 can be, forexample, a slicker brush. The brush may also be a combination brush,such as shown at 149.

The tool 44 may also include one of a mat breaker 150. Example preferredembodiments of mat breaker 150 are described further below.

The tool 44 may also include a comb 152. The comb 152 can have manyvariations.

The tool 44 can also include a hair collection tool such as a fursweeper tool 154. Examples of preferred fur sweeper tools 154 aredescribed further below.

The tool 44 can also include a hair collection tool such as a furaccumulator tool 156. An example of a preferred embodiment of a furaccumulator tool 156 tool is described further below.

A method for using the system 40 can include providing a handle. Forexample, the handle can be universal handle 42 as described inconnection with FIGS. 2-4. The method can include selecting a groomingor hair collection tool 44. The method can include releasably securingthe selected tool 44 to the handle 42.

Providing the handle 42 can include providing the handle as variouslydescribed and characterized above, including some or all of the featuresdescribed. The handle 42 preferably includes bore 52 and lock mechanism54.

In the method, the step of selecting a grooming or hair collection tool44 can include selecting tool 44 having post 130 with detent 132.

The step of releasably securing the selected tool 44 can includeinserting the post 130 into the bore 52 and engaging the pin 64 anddetent 132.

The step of inserting the post 130 into the bore 52 can includeinserting the post 130 that is shaped to be received within the bore 52for engagement with the pin 64 in only a single orientation. Forexample, the bore 52 can include the shape of a truncated circle, whilethe post 130 can include a flat surface 139 along one of the sides 138.This will orient the post 130 to be received within the bore 52 in onlyone orientation.

The method can include, after the step of releasably securing theselected tool 44 to the handle 42, releasing the selected tool 44 fromthe handle 42 by pressing the press button 70.

Pressing the push button 70 can include moving the pin 64 from thedetent 132 in the post 130.

In one example method, pushing the push button 70 will push against thespring 68, which will move the saddle 74, which will translate intomoving the pin 64 radially outwardly of the bore 52. This will releasethe pin 64 from the detent 132 and allow the post 130 to be axiallyremoved from the bore 52.

The step of releasably securing the tool 44 may include making anaudible click sound as the tool 44 and handle 42 engage. For example,when the pin 64 snaps in to place in the detent 132, it can make anaudible click noise. The user will then know that the tool 44 has beenlocked to the handle 42.

The step of selecting a grooming or hair collection tool can includeselecting from the group comprising a deshedding tool 142-145, brush148, 149, mat breaker 150, fur sweeper tool 154, fur accumulator tool156, and comb 152.

The step of selecting a grooming or hair collection tool may alsoinclude selecting from the group consisting of a deshedding tool142-145, brush 148, 149, mat breaker 150, fur sweeper tool 154, furaccumulator tool 156, and comb 152.

The method can also include, during the step of releasably securing theselected tool, orienting a first distinct visual mark 158 on the handle42 with a second distinct visual mark 160 on the tool 44. This will helpinform the user that they have properly aligned and connected the tool44 with the handle 42.

The step of orienting first distinct visual mark 158 on the handle 42with second distinct visual mark 160 on the tool 44 can include forminga resulting third distinct visual mark 162 from the first and secondmarks 158, 160. For example, in FIG. 11, an example resulting thirddistinct visual mark 162 can be seen when the first mark 158 and secondmark 160 are aligned. Many embodiments are possible. In this example,the resulting third distinct visual mark 162 shows a paw print. The pawprint 162 is made from half a paw in the first mark 158 and the otherhalf of the paw in the second mark 160. While many variations arepossible, each of the marks 158, 160, 162 are eye catching andattractive. In addition, while many variations are possible, thesemarks, 158, 160, 162 are also distinctive.

D. Example Mat Breaker

In FIGS. 11-19, an example embodiment of mat breaker 150 is illustrated.Mat breaker 150 is one of the tools 44 that can be used in the system 40and removably connect to the handle 42.

The mat breaker 150 can be used on an animal with a coat of fur to breakor remove hair or fur that is matted together. The mat breaker 150 canremove the mat in the hair by either cutting the matted section orotherwise untangling or removing the mat.

FIGS. 11-13 show the mat breaker 150 connected or secured to the handle42. An exploded view of the mat breaker 150 is shown in FIG. 14 asdisconnected from the handle 42.

The mat breaker 150 includes a base member 170. The handle-engaging post130 extends or projects from the base member 170. For example, the basemember 170 has opposite ends. One end 172 will have the handle-engagingpost 130 extending or projecting axially therefrom. On opposite end 174can be a free end.

The mat breaker 150 includes a set of curved teeth 176 held in the basemember 170. The set of teeth 176 are movable within the base member 170.

For example, in preferred arrangements, the set of curved teeth 176 aremovable such that they can be adjusted for either a right handed or lefthanded person. Because the set of teeth 176 are curved, the direction ororientation of the teeth 176 can be moved to either point a firstdirection or 180° opposite of the first direction in a second direction.Many embodiments are possible for making the curved teeth 176 movablewithin the base member 170. An example implementation is furtherdiscussed.

Attention is directed to FIG. 14. In this example embodiment, the set ofteeth 176 are held by a substrate 178. The substrate 178 is removablyoriented in the base member 170. In FIG. 14, it can be seen how thesubstrate 178 holding the set of teeth 176 can be removed from the basemember 170, rotated 180°, and then reinserted within the base member170. This allows the curved direction of the set of teeth 176 to beadjusted for either right handed or left handed use.

In FIGS. 14 and 19, the base member 170 is depicted as having an opensubstrate-receiving cavity 180. The cavity 180 is sized and shaped toreleasably hold the substrate 178.

Many embodiments are possible for how to have the substrate 178 beremovably oriented with the base member 170. In the example shown, thebase member 170 defines slide grooves 182, 183 along the side of thecavity 180. The substrate 178 includes rails 184, 185 on opposite sidesof the substrate 178 to slide within the grooves 182, 183.

The free end 174 of the base member 170 has an opening 186 or open endthat is in full communication with the cavity 180. In this manner, thesubstrate 178 can slide into the base member 170 by entering the cavity180 through the opening 186. In the example arrangement shown, the rails184, 185 slide within the grooves 182, 183. Many variations arepossible, and this is just one example.

The set of curved teeth 176 can include many different embodiments. Inthe example shown in FIG. 19, each tooth 188 in the set 176 has aninside edge 190 comprising a cutting blade 192.

The inside edge 190 of each tooth 188 is depicted in FIG. 19 as curvingat an angle. The angle can be between 80-100°. For example, this anglecan be about 90°.

There can be at least 3 teeth in the set 176, and up to about 20 teethin the set 176, depending upon the size of the mat breaker 150. In thisexample shown, there are 5 individual teeth 188.

In this example, the mat breaker 150 may also include a hair separatorblade 194 between adjacent ones of the curved teeth 188. The hairseparator blades 194 can be useful in helping to separate the fur orhairs when removing the mats. In the embodiment shown, there is one hairseparator blade 194 between each adjacent pair of teeth 188. In thisembodiment, the hair separator blades 194 include one or more tangs 196(FIG. 18) extending radially outwardly from the rest of the blade 194.

Each tooth 188 can be secured to the substrate 178 in a variety ofmanners. In the embodiment shown, each tooth 188 includes a pair ofholes 198 (FIG. 19) through which locking pins 199, 200 can pass throughand through the substrate 178 to secure each tooth 188 to the substrate178.

Each separator blade 194 can be secured to the substrate 178 by usingthe locking pins 199, 200 to pass through a pair of holes 202 in eachseparator blade 192. Many variations are possible.

The mat breaker 150 can include a lock mechanism 204 (FIG. 16). The lockmechanism 204 can be used to releasably secure the substrate 178 inoperable orientation within the base member 170. In this manner, oncethe substrate 178 holding the set of teeth 176 has been oriented foreither right handed or left handed use, the lock mechanism 204 can beengaged to ensure that the substrate 178 is selectively locked in thebase member 170.

Many embodiments are possible. In this embodiment, the lock mechanism204 includes a pushable finger 206. The lock mechanism 204 also includesa detent 208 on a first side of the substrate 178 and a detent 208′(FIG. 14) on an opposite side of the substrate 178. The detents 208,208′ are sized and shaped to receive the finger 206.

In this embodiment, the pushable finger 206 is secured to a locking arm210. The pushable finger 206 extends from the locking arm 210. Thelocking arm 210 is held by and slides within the base member 170, as canbe seen in FIG. 16. A free end of the locking arm 210 forms a pushmember 212 that will either be projecting from or flush with one side214 (FIG. 16) of the base member 170, depending on whether the lockingmechanism 204 is in the locked or unlocked position. In the lockedposition, such as shown in FIG. 16, the push member 212 projects fromand extends from the side 214. In the unlocked or released position, thepush member 212 is even or flush with the side 214.

At an opposite end of the push member 212 is a tab 216. The tab 216extends between the finger 206 and the arm 210. The tab 216 will beeither in a position projecting from a side 218 of the base member 170or even and flush with the side 218. The side 218 of the base member 170is opposite of the side 214.

When the locking mechanism 204 is in a position locking the substrate178 in place, the tab 216 is against and flush with the side 218. Whenthe locking mechanism 204 is unlocked, the tab 216 is extending orprojecting from the side 218. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the locking mechanism204 is in the locked position, and the tab 216 is shown even with theside 218. In FIG. 13, the tab 216 can be seen projecting from the side218, which means that the locking mechanism 204 is unlocked to allow thesubstrate 178 to be removed from the base member 170.

In FIGS. 16 and 19, a pin 220 can be seen that engages the locking arm210 to hold it in either its locked position (FIG. 16) or its unlockedposition (FIG. 13).

The post 130 is preferably the post having the features as described insection B, above. The description of the post 130 is incorporated hereby reference.

A method of using the mat breaker 150 can include removing the set ofcurved teeth 176 from the base member 170, rotating the set of teeth 176180°, and then operably securing the set of curved teeth 176 in the basemember 170. The method further includes engaging the set of teeth 176with a mat of fur.

The step of removing can include moving a pushable finger 206 fromengagement with the detent 208, 208′ in the substrate 178. This caninclude pushing on the push member 212 which will translate to motionalong the locking arm 210, tab 216, and finger 206, which will move thefinger 206 from engagement with the detent 208, 208′.

The step of operably securing the set of curved teeth 176 in the basemember 170 includes sliding the substrate 178 into the cavity 180 in thebase member 170 and pushing the tab 216 to move the finger 206 intoengagement with the detent 208, 208′ in the substrate 178. For example,pushing the tab 216 will push the finger 206 into engagement with thedetent 208. This will also result in the push member 212 extending fromthe side 214 of the base member 170.

D. Example Fur Sweeper Tool

One of the tools 44 usable in the system 40 for releasably connecting tothe handle 42 can include hair collection tool, such as the fur sweepertool 154. An example embodiment of fur sweeper tool 154 is shown inFIGS. 20-25.

The fur sweeper tool 154 includes a base holder 230. The base holder 230can include a first half holder 232 and a second half holder 234. Thefirst and second half holders 234 can be connected together to define anopen tube 236 (FIG. 25).

Handle engaging post 130 extends or projects from the base holder 230.The post 130 can be the type of post described in section B above, thedescription which is incorporated herein by reference.

The sweeper tool 154 further includes a roller 238. The roller 238 isheld by the base holder 230 and has fur attracting material 240.

The roller 238 is rotatably held within the open tube 236 of the baseholder 230.

In FIGS. 21 and 25, it can be seen how the base holder 230 has ordefines an opening 242 that provides exposure to the fur attractingmaterial 240 of the roller 238.

The roller 238 defines a chamber 244 (FIG. 25). The chamber 244 collectsand stores fur that is picked up by the fur attracting material 240. Thechamber 244 is accessible through a movable door 246. The door 246 ispivotally secured to the base holder 230. In FIGS. 23 and 23 it can beappreciated that the door 246 is pivotally mounted to the first halfholder 232. When the door 246 is pivoted away from the base holder 230,as shown in FIG. 23, an access opening 248 (FIG. 23) is opened. Thiswill provide access to the chamber 244, when the roller 238 is rolled ina position to provide open communication between the access opening 248and the chamber 244.

The door 246 is preferably transparent. When transparent, when theroller 238 is rotated so that the chamber 244 is in a position facingthe door 246, the user can see how much fur is in the chamber 244.

The door 246 is selectively lockable and unlockable to the base holder230. Many variations are possible. In the embodiment shown, the door 246has a hook 250 (FIG. 23) and a slidable pin 252 (FIG. 23) that can beused to engage and disengage the hook 250. In the embodiment shown, thepin 252 is secured to the second half holder 234. A tab 254 is visiblefrom the exterior of the base holder 230, and the user can slide the tab254 to move the pin 252 out of engagement with the hook 250, which willrelease the hook 250 and allow the door 246 to open. A spring may beused to have the door 246 pop open when the hook 250 is released.

The roller 238 includes first and second twist knobs 258, 259 atopposite ends of the roller 238 and extending outside of the base holder230. The twist knobs 258, 259 are secured to the roller 238 such thatrotating the twist knobs 258, 259 will rotate the roller 238 within thebase holder 230. The knobs 258, 259 can be secured to a remainingportion of the roller 238 in a variety of techniques, including, forexample, a snap connection between snap piece 260 (FIG. 23) and areceiver or aperture 262 for the snap piece 260. FIG. 23 shows snappiece 260 as part of the twist knob 259. It should be understood thatthe knob 258 also has snap piece as depicted at 260. It should also beunderstood that the aperture 262 is also on the opposite end of theroller 238 for engagement with the snap piece 260 of the knob 259. Thetwist knobs 258, 259 will pass through holes 264, 265 on the second halfholder 234. In between the two holes 264, 265, the roller 238 will beoriented, as can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 23.

The roller 238 will be rotatable between 70° and 180°.

The base holder 230 will include a mechanism to allow for stripping ofsome of the fur collected on the fur attracting material 240 to beremoved from the roller 238 and deposited in the chamber 244. In theembodiment shown, the base holder 230 will include a section or strip offur attracting material 268 (FIGS. 23 and 25). The section 268 of furattracting material is mounted such that when the roller 238 is rotatedrelative to the base holder 230, the fur attracting material 240 on theroller rubs against the section 268 of fur attracting material on thebase holder 230. This will help to strip off or remove at least some ofthe fur on the roller 238 and push it into the chamber 244. In FIG. 23,the section 268 of fur attracting material is mounted to and held by thesecond half holder 234 adjacent to the opening 242.

Many different embodiments are possible for the fur attracting material240, 268. In this embodiment, the fur attracting material 240, 268 is anon-adhesive fabric. The orientation of the material in the fabric isuseful in attracting hair or fur. The fabric is preferably a directionalfabric made of polyester filament. Many variations are possible. Forexample, it can include a thickness of about 1.8 mm, a surfaceresistance of 4.8×10⁹ ohms. The volume resistance can be about 8.7×10⁸ohms.

In use, the fur sweeper tool 154 can include rubbing the fur attractingmaterial 240 on the roller 238 over a surface to pick up hair or furfrom the surface. The method can include rotating the roller 238 to putthe fur attracting material 240 of the roller 238 within the accessopening 242 in order to ensure exposure of the fur attracting material240.

The method can further include a step of rotating the roller 238 byrotating one or more of the twist knobs 258, 259 to at least partiallyclean the hair from the fur attracting material 240 of the roller 238.For example, this step can include moving the section of the roller 238having the fur attracting material 240 against section 268 of the baseholder 230 that also includes fur attracting material, which will removeat least some of the fur from section 240 and push the fur into thechamber 244.

The method can include, after rotating the roller 238, viewing thechamber 244, through the door 246.

The method can include unlocking the door 246 to access the chamber 244,removing hair from the chamber 244, and then locking the door 246 tosecure the door 246 to the base holder 230. This can include the step ofmoving the tab 254, which will move the pin 252 and release the hook250, allowing the door 246 to pivot open to access opening 248.

The method may further include, after removing hair from the chamber244, rotating the roller 238 to move or put the fur attracting material240 of the roller 238 into the opening 242 of the base holder 230.

E. Example Fur Accumulator Tool

The system 40 can include as one of the tools 44 a hair collection toolsuch as fur accumulator tool 156, depicted in FIGS. 26-30. The furaccumulator tool 156 can be releasably secured to the handle 42, asdescribed above including connection between the post 130 and the handle142. The post 130 is preferably the post as described in section Babove, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Anexample of how the post 130 engages and releasably connects to thehandle 42 is the same as shown in connection with FIG. 18, which showsthe post 130 connected to mat breaker 150.

In reference now to FIGS. 26-30, the fur accumulator tool 156 includes abase member 280. The handle-engaging post 130 extends from the basemember 280. A plurality of nubs 282 extend or project from the basemember 280. The nubs 282 can be used to rub against a surface having furor hair, and it will help to pick up or attract or collect the fur orhair.

The base member 280 has a plate section 284 and a handle engagingsection 286. The handle engaging section 286 projects at least partiallyover the plate section 284. The nubs 282 extend from the plate section284. The nubs 282 extend in direction away from the direction of thehandle engaging section 286. As can be appreciated from reviewing FIGS.27 and 28, the plate section 284 is between the handle engaging section286 and the nubs 282. Many embodiments are possible.

In this embodiment, the nubs 282 are held by a substrate 288. Thesubstrate is secured to the plate section 284.

In one example embodiment, the substrate 288 is secured to anintermediate member 290, and the intermediate member 290 is attached tothe plate section 284 through conventional manners, such as ultrasonicwelding, or adhesive attachment. The substrate 288 can be secured to theintermediate member 290 such as by injection molding. In the exampleshown in FIG. 30, the member 290 includes holes 292, in which injectedmolded polymer can be deposited therethrough into a mold to make thesubstrate 288. Connection members 294 on the substrate 288 can be usedas a way of securing the substrate 288 to the member 290. On theopposite side of the substrate 288 from the side shown in FIG. 230 arethe nubs 292. The nubs 292 can be made by a molding process with thesubstrate 288.

The nubs 282 will be sized to be used with, for example, short carpet,upholstery, or clothing to remove hair or fur. Many embodiments can bemade. In this example, the nubs 282 have a height of less than ⅜ inch.The nubs 282 may have a height of greater than ⅛ inch.

There can be a total of at least 150 nubs 282. In one or moreembodiments, there can be fewer than a total of 300 nubs 282. In manyuseful embodiments, there will be about 20-30 nubs 282 per square inch.

The plate section 284 holding the nubs 282 will generally be flat andplanar. The plate section 284 will be sized in many differentdimensions. For example, the plate section 284 can have a width of atleast 3 inches and a length of at least 4 inches. The plate section 284can have a width of not greater than 6 inches, and a length of notgreater than 8 inches.

As can be seen in FIGS. 26-28, in use, the handle 42 will extend andproject over the majority of, and in some cases, the totality of theplate section 284. This provides comfortable and convenient use by theuser.

A method of using the fur accumulator 156 includes moving the nubs 282against and over a hairy surface to pick up the hair by the nubs 282from the surface.

The nubs 282 and substrate 288 can be made from a molded plasticmaterial.

The above represents principles of this disclosure. Many embodiments canbe made using these principles.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handle for receiving a plurality of tools, thehandle comprising: (a) a grip sized to be grasped by a human hand; thegrip including a tool-receiving bore defined therein; and (b) a lockmechanism to secure a tool within the bore and to selectively releasethe tool from the bore.
 2. The handle of claim 1 wherein the grip has afree end and an opposite tool-receiving end, the bore being through thetool-receiving end.
 3. The handle of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanismincludes a pin extending into an interior volume of the bore.
 4. Thehandle of claim 3 wherein the pin is spring-biased radially inwardlyinto the interior volume of the bore.
 5. The handle of claim 3 furthercomprising a push button to move the pin at least partially out of theinterior volume of the bore.
 6. The handle of claim 5 wherein the pushbutton moves the pin against the spring to move the pin.
 7. The handleof claim 2 further comprising a ramped index finger-rest spaced betweenthe free end and the push button; the index finger-rest being on anopposite side of the grip as the push button.
 8. The handle of claim 2wherein the grip further includes a mounting hole adjacent to the freeend.
 9. The handle of claim 1 wherein the bore is shaped to index a toolsecured thereto in a specific direction.
 10. The handle of claim 9wherein a cross-sectional opening of the bore is a truncated circle. 11.The handle of claim 9 wherein an interior wall of the bore has across-sectional shape of a truncated circle.
 12. A system for groomingan animal comprising: (a) a handle including a grip sized to be graspedby a human hand; the grip including a tool-receiving bore definedtherein and a lock mechanism to secure a tool within the bore and toselectively release the tool from the bore; and (b) a grooming or haircollection tool releasably secured within the bore with the lockmechanism.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the tool includes a postsized to fit within the bore.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein thepost includes a detent sized and shaped to receive a pin of the lockmechanism.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein the post has a free endand an opposite tool end, and the detent is spaced less than 0.5 inchesfrom the free end and spaced more than 0.25 inches from the free end.16. The system of claim 14 wherein the post is shaped to be receivedwithin the bore for engagement with the pin in only a singleorientation.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein one side of the post hasa flat surface.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the side of the posthaving the detent is opposite of the side of the post having the flatsurface.
 19. The system of claim 12 wherein the grooming or haircollection tool includes one of a de-shedding tool, a brush, a matbreaker, a fur sweeper tool, a fur accumulator tool, a comb, and othertools for managing fur.
 20. A method of using a system for groomingincluding: (a) providing a handle; (b) selecting a grooming or haircollection tool; and (c) releasably securing the selected tool to thehandle.